AC Milan Completes €40M Malick Thiaw Transfer to Newcastle

AC Milan has officially agreed to sell German center-back Malick Thiaw to Newcastle United for a deal worth up to €40 million, including bonuses. Despite efforts from Milan's sporting director Igli Tare and coach Max Allegri to retain him with a contract renewal and a leading role, Thiaw chose Newcastle, influenced partly by Champions League considerations. The transfer was completed quickly ahead of the Premier League season, with Thiaw signing a contract through 2030 reportedly worth €4 million annually. Milan now plans to find a replacement, reportedly targeting players like Giovanni Leoni and Pietro Comuzzo, with transfer values around €30-40 million. Thiaw, valued at €18 million by Transfermarkt, has been a regular for Milan since his 2022 move from Schalke and has also appeared for the German national team. Newcastle's determination to acquire Thiaw was strong, increasing their bids after an initial offer was rejected, signaling the club's clear intent to invest in the defender.